The Effect of Pt Particle Size on the Oxidation of CO, C₃H₆, and NO Over Pt/Al₂O₃ for Diesel Exhaust Aftertreatment

Platinum-based oxidation catalysts applied for diesel exhaust aftertreatment constitute a significant part of system costs. Effective utilization of platinum is therefore relevant to reduce costs while retaining performance. To this end, the influence of Pt particle size on catalytic activity for CO, hydrocarbon, and NO oxidation was studied. 1 wt% Pt/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation, drying, and different calcination and thermal treatments, yielding Pt particles with diameters between 1.3 and 18.7 nm, as determined by CO pulse titration and transmission electron microscopy. Activity measurements for CO, C₃H₆, and NO oxidation showed an optimal Pt particle size with respect to the mass based activity between 2 and 4 nm for all three reactions. From measured turnover frequencies and site statistics of Pt particles, the reactions appear to be mainly catalyzed by terrace atoms, which are most abundant between 2 and 4 nm. The decrease in catalytic activity for large Pt particles is therefore due to the diminishing Pt surface area, while the decrease in activity for small particles is due to the lack of terrace atoms required for CO, HC, and NO oxidation.